Independence is more than a roof over your head. Nonprofits across the country will start making Internet access available to low-income families.

HUD secretary Julian Castro announced yesterday that 28 cities, including DC and Baltimore, will be part of a new digital opportunity demonstration called ConnectHome. It will initially reach 275,000 low-income homes and nearly 200,000 children. Internet service providers, nonprofits and the private sector will offer broadband access, technical training, digital literacy programs and devices for people living in assisted housing units. While two-thirds of the lowest-income homes own a computer, less than half have a home Internet subscription. The idea is that Internet will help them become more self-sufficient and provide an educational resource for their children.